Configurable electrical receptacles

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to configurable electrical receptacles and more particularly to electrical receptacles that accept in-situ replacement of an insert providing a specific functionality within an electrical receptacle which is configurable to function or user accessible feature.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of priority as a continuationpatent of U.S. Ser. No. 16/947,174 filed Jul. 21, 2020 entitled“Configurable Electrical Receptacles” which itself claims the benefit ofpriority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/011,212 filed 18 Jun.2018 entitled “Configurable Electrical Receptacles” which itself claimsthe benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application62/524,735 filed 26 Jun. 2017 entitled “Configurable ElectricalReceptacles”, the entire contents of each being incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This patent application relates to configurable electrical receptaclesand more particularly to electrical receptacles that accept in-situreplacement of an insert providing a specific functionality within anelectrical receptacle which is configurable to function or useraccessible feature.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Home automation or smart homes (also known as domotics) refers tobuilding automation for the home. It involves the control and automationof lighting, heating (such as smart thermostats), ventilation, airconditioning (HVAC), and security, as well as home appliances such aswasher/dryers, ovens or refrigerators/freezers. Wi-Fi is often used forremote monitoring and control. Home devices, when remotely monitored andcontrolled via the Internet, are an important constituent of theInternet of Things. Modern systems generally consist of switches andsensors connected to a central hub sometimes called a “gateway” fromwhich the system is controlled with a user interface that is interactedeither with a wall-mounted terminal, mobile phone software, tabletcomputer or a web interface, often but not always via Internet cloudservices.

Whilst today there are many competing vendors, there are very fewworldwide accepted industry standards and the home automation market isheavily fragmented. Popular communications protocol for products includeX10, Ethernet, RS-485, 6LoWPAN, Bluetooth LE (BLE), ZigBee and Z-Wave,or other proprietary protocols all of which are incompatible with eachother. Manufacturers often prevent independent implementations bywithholding documentation. The home automation market was worthapproximately US$5.75 billion in 2015 and is predicted to have a marketvalue over US$10 billion by the year 2020.

Home automation represents part of the building automation environmentas in addition to residential deployments there are markets forcommercial environments, manufacturing environments, public buildings,and retail environments. Typically, each element within such automationdeployments is undertaken as a discrete deployment such that electricalpower distribution for consumption, electrical power and switching forlighting, environmental sensors, security sensors etc. are all discrete.

Within the prior art approaches to combine disparate functionalitywithin a single electrical receptacle exist such as those presentedwithin U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,473,517; 6,010,288; 6,000,807; 6,045,232; and6,805,469. These seeking to simply combine emergency lighting withinelectrical wall receptacles.

Accordingly, one of the inventors established a concept depicted anddescribed in respect of FIG. 1 wherein an electrical mains outletreceptacle was modified to accept a replaceable insert which provided afunctionality according to the insert employed. Such inserts including,for example, elements comprising an optical emitter (e.g. LED lighting),an optical sensor, a chemical sensor, a biological sensor, a motionsensor, a rechargeable battery, a gas detector, a microphone, aloudspeaker, a DC power socket (e.g. USB), a low voltage power socket(e.g. 12V), wireless router, wireless networking interface,telecommunications network jack, and a telecommunications socket. Thisconcept being presented within U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,496,342; 9,083,126;9,214,773; and 9,520,671 wherein the insert is replaceable once theelectrical receptacle has been installed and the cover plate attached.Accordingly, functionality can be defined once the building is wiredaccording to the requirements of the owner/occupier and thensubsequently revised according to the evolving requirements of theowner/occupier or a new owner/occupier etc.

However, it would be beneficial to enhance and extend such a methodologyto support other electrical receptacles, such as switch receptacles forexample, as well as providing configurable electrical receptacles thatthen support reconfiguration through the replaceable insert. In thismanner, the electrical receptacles are defined to a first level wheninstalled, e.g. power outlet or electrical switch, and then subsequentlydefined at a second level once the cover plate etc. have been attached.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparentto those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the followingdescription of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction withthe accompanying figures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to mitigate limitations withinthe prior art relating to configurable electrical receptacles and moreparticularly to electrical receptacles that accept in-situ replacementof an insert providing a specific functionality within an electricalreceptacle which is configurable to function or user accessible feature.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice for use in conjunction with a conventional electrical utilitywork box and a faceplate comprising:

-   a housing to fit within an electrical utility work box comprising at    least a front face; the housing comprising;-   a first mounting means to affix the housing to the electrical    utility work box;-   a second mounting means to affix the faceplate to the housing;-   a plurality of electrical interfaces, each electrical interface    allowing connection to a predetermined electrical signal forming    part of an electrical lighting circuit; and-   a cavity disposed within the front face of the housing allowing the    insertion and removal of a demountable insert into and from the    front face of the housing when the housing is mounted within the    electrical utility work box with the faceplate attached and    comprising a first part of a retention means to retain the    demountable insert when inserted into the cavity, the cavity    accessible through a first opening in the faceplate and comprising a    plurality of first contacts, each first contact electrically coupled    to a predetermined electrical interface of the housing; wherein-   the demountable insert is sized for insertion into the cavity within    the front face of the housing and capable of insertion and removal    when the faceplate is attached to the housing, the demountable    insert comprising a second part of the retention means to retain the    demountable insert when inserted into the cavity.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice for use in conjunction with a conventional electrical utilitywork box and a faceplate comprising:

-   a housing to fit within an electrical utility work box comprising at    least a front face; the housing comprising;    -   a first mounting means to affix the housing to the electrical        utility work box;    -   a second mounting means to affix the faceplate to the housing;-   a plurality of electrical interfaces, each electrical interface    allowing connection to a predetermined electrical signal forming    part of an electrical lighting circuit;-   a first cavity disposed within the front face of the housing    allowing the insertion and removal of a first demountable insert    into and from the front face of the housing when the housing is    mounted within the electrical utility work box with the faceplate    removed;-   a second cavity disposed within the front face of the housing    allowing the insertion and removal of a second demountable insert    into and from the front face of the housing when the housing is    mounted within the electrical utility work box with the faceplate    attached.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided adevice for use in conjunction with a conventional electrical utilitywork box and a faceplate comprising:

-   a housing to fit within an electrical utility work box comprising at    least a front face; the housing comprising;    -   a first mounting means to affix the housing to the electrical        utility work box;    -   a second mounting means to affix the faceplate to the housing;-   an electrical element providing a predetermined electrical function;-   a plurality of electrical interfaces, each electrical interface    allowing connection to a predetermined electrical signal forming    part of an electrical circuit; and-   a cavity disposed within the front face of the housing allowing the    insertion and removal of a demountable insert into and from the    front face of the housing when the housing is mounted within the    electrical utility work box with the faceplate attached and    comprising a first part of a retention means to retain the    demountable insert when inserted into the cavity, the cavity    accessible through a first opening in the faceplate and comprising a    plurality of first contacts, each first contact electrically coupled    to a predetermined electrical interface of the housing; wherein-   the demountable insert is sized for insertion into the cavity within    the front face of the housing and capable of insertion and removal    when the faceplate is attached to the housing, the demountable    insert comprising a second part of the retention means to retain the    demountable insert when inserted into the cavity.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparentto those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the followingdescription of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction withthe accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:

FIG. 1A depicts a work box, receptacle and faceplate according to theprior art of the inventor;

FIG. 1B depicts a configurable electrical receptacle according to theprior art of the inventor;

FIG. 2 depicts a configurable electrical switch receptacle according toan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 depicts restriction of inserts to electrical receptacles only,electrical switches only, and both electrical receptacles and switchesaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A depicts a configuration of insert and receptacle circuit boardsupporting restriction of receptacles such as depicted in FIG. 3according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B depicts an exemplary pin—hole configuration for achieving theinsert restrictions according to FIG. 3 according to an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 5 depicts an edge connection between the insert and receptaclecircuit board according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 depicts an internal ground bar configuration according to anembodiment of the invention providing grounding of the insert prior toelectrical connectivity with the receptacle circuit board;

FIG. 7 depicts a sequential break down of an electrical receptacleaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8A depicts a configurable electrical receptacle according to anembodiment of the invention wherein the installed functionality can beset at installation leaving the post-installation receptacleconfiguration;

FIG. 8B depicts a configurable electrical receptacle according to anembodiment of the invention wherein the installed functionality can beset at installation leaving the post-installation receptacleconfiguration;

FIG. 9 depicts the configurable electrical receptacle and cover of theembodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 10 depicts a configurable switch receptacle according to anembodiment of the invention wherein the installed functionality can beset at installation leaving the post-installation receptacleconfiguration;

FIG. 11 depicts a configurable receptacle and cover according to anembodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 12 depicts configurable receptacles according to embodiments of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to configurable electrical receptaclesand more particularly to electrical receptacles that accept in-situreplacement of an insert providing a specific functionality within anelectrical receptacle which is configurable to function or useraccessible feature.

The ensuing description provides representative embodiment(s) only, andis not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration ofthe disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the embodiment(s)will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description forimplementing an embodiment or embodiments of the invention. It beingunderstood that various changes can be made in the function andarrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope asset forth in the appended claims. Accordingly, an embodiment is anexample or implementation of the inventions and not the soleimplementation. Various appearances of “one embodiment,” “an embodiment”or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to the sameembodiments. Although various features of the invention may be describedin the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be providedseparately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although theinvention may be described herein in the context of separate embodimentsfor clarity, the invention can also be implemented in a singleembodiment or any combination of embodiments.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”,“some embodiments” or “other embodiments” means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiments is included in at least one embodiment, but not necessarilyall embodiments, of the inventions. The phraseology and terminologyemployed herein is not to be construed as limiting but is fordescriptive purpose only. It is to be understood that where the claimsor specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not tobe construed as there being only one of that element. It is to beunderstood that where the specification states that a component feature,structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” beincluded, that particular component, feature, structure, orcharacteristic is not required to be included.

Reference to terms such as “left”, “right”, “top”, “bottom”, “front” and“back” are intended for use in respect to the orientation of theparticular feature, structure, or element within the figures depictingembodiments of the invention. It would be evident that such directionalterminology with respect to the actual use of a device has no specificmeaning as the device can be employed in a multiplicity of orientationsby the user or users.

Reference to terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting” andgrammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or morecomponents, features, steps, integers or groups thereof and that theterms are not to be construed as specifying components, features, stepsor integers. Likewise, the phrase “consisting essentially of”, andgrammatical variants thereof, when used herein is not to be construed asexcluding additional components, steps, features integers or groupsthereof but rather that the additional features, integers, steps,components or groups thereof do not materially alter the basic and novelcharacteristics of the claimed composition, device or method. If thespecification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does notpreclude there being more than one of the additional element.

An “electrical receptacle” as used herein and throughout this disclosurerefers to, but is not limited, to a housing design designed to beinserted into a work box/electrical utility work box and connected toone or more electrical cables providing power distribution/signaldistribution within the environment exploiting embodiments of theinvention which may for example be residential, commercial, industrial,entertainment and retail for example. An electrical receptacle may bemanufactured with a predetermined function, e.g. electrical outlet orlighting switch, or it may be configurable as described below in respectof embodiments of the invention.

An “electrical receptacle” as used herein and throughout this disclosurerefers to, but is not limited to, simplex, duplex, commercial grade,residential (decorator) grade, hospital grade, ground fault circuitinterrupter (GFCI), surge protective, arc fault circuit interrupter(AFCI), and tamper resistant. Electrical receptacles may be 110V/120V,220V/230V/240V, 50 Hz, 60 Hz, 5 A, 6 A, 10 A, 13 A, 15 A, polarized,unpolarised, earthed, fused, ground fault interrupted and arc circuitinterrupted. Typically, the electrical receptacle will include aretention means for fastening a faceplate onto the electrical receptaclecovering the exposed portions of the electrical receptacle/electricalutility work box.

A “work box” or “electrical utility work box” as used herein andthroughout this disclosure refers to, but is not limited to, the housingthat an electrical receptacle is assembled into. As such a work box caninclude so-called handy box, junction box, new work boxes, old workboxes, outdoor boxes, standard rectangular boxes, square boxes, circularor octagonal boxes, and a ceiling box. A work box may be formed frommetal, plastic or PVC. Some electrical utility work boxes are defined asbeing 1-gang/2-gang/3-gang/4-gang etc. which defines the width such thatthey may contain multiple electrical receptacles as a typical electricalpower outlet or electrical switch is 1-gang wide (i.e. they can beganged together within the work box).

An “electrical outlet” as used herein and throughout this disclosurerefers to, but is not limited to, an electrical receptacle that isconfigured for providing electrical power, typically at so-called“mains” voltage being that supplied to the environment the outlet isdeployed within by the electrical distribution network. As such the“mains” voltage is defined by region/country globally. Electricalreceptacles may be 110V/120V, 220V/230V/240V, 50 Hz, 60 Hz, 5 A, 6 A, 10A, 13 A, 15 A, polarized, unpolarised, earthed, fused, employ insulatedpins, have an even number of pins, and have an odd or even number ofpins etc. and employ ground fault and/or arc fault interrupter circuitsthat trigger under predetermined conditions to disable the outlet untilthe fault is corrected and the circuit reset. However, electricaloutlets may provide DC power or AC power at a different current and/orvoltage than that to which they are connected depending upon theirconfiguration.

A “switch receptacle” as used herein and throughout this disclosurerefers to, but is not limited to, an electrical receptacle that isconfigured for providing switching functionality, e.g. turning on/off alight or lights or an electrical device/system for which the switchingfunctionality controls power. A switch receptacle may provide control ofan electrical distribution circuit, e.g. be a circuit breaker, ordistribution panel comprising other switch receptacles, e.g. circuitbreakers. Accordingly, a switch receptacle may vary, for example, in thenumber of switches and their wired interconnection(s) such that theswitch may be single pole, double pole, etc. The switch may control thesame voltage and/or current as that which powers the switch receptacleto provide the inserts with functionality or alternatively, the switchmay control connection and/or disconnection of a system at a differentvoltage either derived from the power supply that powers the receptacleor coupled to the switch receptacle via a separate connection.Accordingly, a switch may be powered from and/or controlling anelectrical circuit at 110V/120V, 220V/230V/240V, 50 Hz, 60 Hz, 5 A, 6 A,10 A, 13 A, 15 A, alternating current (AC), direct current (DC), 12V,24V, and 48V.

A “plug” as used herein and throughout this disclosure refers to, but isnot limited to, one half of an electrical connector with the other halfbeing the socket. The plug is usually considered the male portion of anelectrical connector and comprises one or more pins or jacks that aredesigned to mate with their corresponding socket.

A “socket” as used herein and throughout this disclosure refers to, butis not limited to, one half of an electrical connector with the otherhalf being the plug. The socket is usually considered the female portionof an electrical connector and comprises one or more openings that aredesigned to mate with their corresponding plug pins or jack.

An “electrical connector” as used herein and throughout this disclosurerefers to, but is not limited to an electro-mechanical device used tojoin electrical terminations and create an electrical circuit.Electrical connectors typically consist of plugs (male-ended) and jacks(female-ended). The connection may be made/unmade manually or mayrequire a tool for assembly and removal.

A “faceplate” (also referred to as wall plate, outlet cover, or socketcover) as used herein and throughout this disclosure refers to, but isnot limited to, a typically plastic cover designed to fit around and/orover an electrical receptacle or switch receptacle and enclose saidreceptacle within the work box whilst overlapping the surroundingwall/ceiling etc. to provide an aesthetically and/or functional cover.Some faceplates may include a cover to protect the socket when not inuse such as in wet outdoor environments for example.

An “electrical contact” as used herein and throughout this disclosurerefers to, but is not limited to, an electrical connection between afirst element (e.g. a pin of a plug) with a second element (e.g. areceptacle within a socket). Such electrical contacts may be around theperiphery of the pin, on a particular surface of the pin, or particularsurface of the pin. Some electrical contacts may be sprung to maintainconnection over a range of relative positions of the two elements.

A “demountable insert” or “insert” as used herein and throughout thisdisclosure refers to, but is not limited to, an assembly designed to beinserted within an opening/recess within an electrical and/or switchreceptacle. Accordingly, a demountable insert may be inserted/removedthrough the faceplate without requiring the removal of the face plate.

A “retention means” as used herein and throughout this disclosure refersto, but is not limited to, a means of attaching one element to anotherelement. As such a retention means may include, but not be limited, ascrew, a bolt, a nut and bolt, a latch, a screw, and a clip.

An “electrical supply” as used herein and throughout this disclosurerefers to, but is not limited to, an electrical power supply to which anelectrical receptacle or switch receptacle is connected in order toprovide electrical power for the receptacle, it's user accessiblefeatures such as a socket, switch, etc. and the provide power to thedemountable insert(s) supported by the electrical receptacle. In mostinstances the electrical supply is the general-purposealternating-current (AC) electric power supply received at theresidence, retail building, office, commercial building etc. However, inother instances it may be a different AC electrical power supply derivedfrom the general-purpose AC or another power supply such as a generator.In other instances, the electrical supply may be a direct-current (DC)electrical supply. General-purpose AC is typically 110V/120V or220V/230V/240V at either 50 Hz or 60 Hz. However, in other instances itmay be at other frequencies such as 400 Hz for example in avionicsapplications.

A “wireless standard” as used herein and throughout this disclosurerefers to, but is not limited to, a standard for transmitting signalsand/or data through electromagnetic radiation which may be optical,radio-frequency (RF) or microwave although typically RF wireless systemsand techniques dominate. A wireless standard may be defined globally,nationally, or specific to an equipment manufacturer or set of equipmentmanufacturers. Dominant wireless standards at present include, but arenot limited to IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, UMTS,GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800, GSM 1900, GPRS, ITU-R 5.138, ITU-R 5.150,ITU-R 5.280, IMT-1000, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ultra-Wideband and WiMAX. Somestandards may be a conglomeration of sub-standards such as IEEE 802.11which may refer to, but is not limited to, IEEE 802.1a, IEEE 802.11b,IEEE 802.11g, or IEEE 802.11n as well as others under the IEEE 802.11umbrella.

A “wired standard” as used herein and throughout this disclosure,generally refer to, but is not limited to, a standard for transmittingsignals and/or data through an electrical cable discretely or incombination with another signal. Such wired standards may include, butare not limited to, digital subscriber loop (DSL), Dial-Up (exploitingthe public switched telephone network (PSTN) to establish a connectionto an Internet service provider (ISP)), Data Over Cable ServiceInterface Specification (DOCSIS), Ethernet, Gigabit home networking(G.hn), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), Multimedia over CoaxAlliance (MoCA), and Power Line Communication (PLC, wherein data isoverlaid to AC/DC power supply). In some embodiments a “wired standard”may refer to, but is not limited to, exploiting an optical cable andoptical interfaces such as within Passive Optical Networks (PONs) forexample.

A “user” as used herein may refer to, but is not limited to, but is notlimited to, an individual or group of individuals. This includes, but isnot limited to, private individuals, employees of organizations and/orenterprises, members of community organizations, members of charityorganizations, men, women and children. In its broadest sense the usermay further include, but not be limited to, mechanical systems, roboticsystems, android systems, etc. that may be characterised by an abilityto exploit one or more embodiments of the invention.

A “sensor” as used herein may refer to, but is not limited to, atransducer providing an electrical output generated in dependence upon amagnitude of a measurand selected from the group comprising, but is notlimited to, environmental sensors, medical sensors, biological sensors,chemical sensors, ambient environment sensors, position sensors, motionsensors, thermal sensors, infrared sensors, visible sensors, RFIDsensors, and medical testing and diagnosis devices.

FIG. 1A depicts a work box, receptacle and faceplate according to theprior art of the inventor which provide a mechanism for making use ofstandard building wiring to provide additional functionality. Asdepicted in FIG. 1A an electrical receptacle 100A is provided whichallows for an insert to be inserted into a cavity within the receptaclebody. As depicted the standard electrical receptacle provides twooutlets and is installed into an electrical utility work box 1100 oncethe electrical supply is coupled to the electrical receptacle 100A viaan electrical cable that is fed through an opening within the electricalutility work box 1100 which may be defined or established through aninstalling user selecting one “push-out” of a plurality of “push-outs”provided within the body of the electrical utility work box 1100. Oncethe electrical receptacle 100A is inserted into the electrical utilitywork box 1100 and retained in position, e.g. via bolts at upper andlower locations then a faceplate 1200 is typically applied.

Once the electrical receptacle 100A has been connected to the electricalsupply and inserted into the electrical utility work box 1100 and thefaceplate 1200 attached then an initial blank cover 1300 for the cavitycan be replaced with a replaceable insert such as depicted in FIG. 1B.Referring to FIG. 1B there is depicted a configurable electricalreceptacle 1000 comprising an electrical receptacle 100 which features areceptacle body 110 within which are disposed a pair of electricalsockets 120 and a cavity 130. The configurable electrical receptacle1000 being attached to the electrical utility work box, not shown forclarity, via the ground strap 140. A replaceable insert may be disposedwithin the cavity 130 such as inserts 150A to 150N respectively whichmay comprise a blank insert 150A, Wi-Fi node 150B, nightlight 150C,motion detector 150D and smoke detector 150N. Accordingly, electricalreceptacle 1000 provides dual electrical sockets and a user selectablefunction with the one of the plurality of inserts 150A to 150Nrespectively.

In common with this approach embodiments of the invention may bedesigned with dimensions and retaining feature positions etc. tofunction with industry standard receptacle boxes and faceplates. Due tothe position of the electrical receptacle cavity between the pair ofelectrical outlets the faceplate is similarly attached via upper andlower retaining features, e.g. bolts to threaded portions of theelectrical receptacle. As will become evident in respect of FIGS. 2 to12 other designs may support faceplates with alternate mountingpositions and “cut-out” design such as a single central retaining meansfor example.

Now referring to FIG. 2 depicts a configurable switch receptacle 2000according to an embodiment of the invention which comprises a switchreceptacle 200 which features a receptacle body 210 within which is anelectrical switch 220 and a cavity 130. The configurable switchreceptacle 2000 being attached to the electrical utility work box, notshown for clarity, via the ground strap 140. A replaceable insert may bedisposed within the cavity 130 such as inserts 250A to 250N respectivelywhich may comprise a blank insert 250A, motion detector 250B, light250C, Bluetooth 250D and USB charger 250N. Accordingly, switchreceptacle 2000 as depicted provides a push type electrical switch 220with an illuminated element to indicate status and a user selectablefunction with the one of the plurality of inserts 250A to 250Nrespectively.

Now referring to FIG. 3 there are depicted application of insertrestrictions to electrical receptacles only, electrical switches only,and both electrical receptacles and switches according to an embodimentof the invention. Accordingly, an electrical receptacle 100 is depictedwherein inserts from first insert group 300A and second insert group300B can be inserted into its cavity and make the appropriate electricaland mechanical connections to power the insert and form configurableelectrical receptacle 1000. Similarly, switch receptacle 200 may beemployed in combination with an insert selected from the second insertgroup 300B and third insert group 300C which when into the cavity makesthe appropriate electrical and mechanical connections to power theinsert and form and provide configurable switch receptacle 2000.Accordingly, three classes of insert are defined:

-   -   First class 300A which fit the electrical receptacle 100 only;    -   Second class 300A which fit either the electrical receptacle 100        or switch receptacle 200; and    -   Third class 300C which fit the switch receptacle 200 only.

Referring to FIG. 4 there is depicted a configuration of insert andreceptacle circuit board supporting restriction of receptacles such asdepicted in FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the invention.Referring to first image 400A there is depicted a perspective view ofparts of the receptacle, e.g. receptacle 100 and insert 150/250. Thereceptacle portion depicted being the main PCB 450. As depicted theinsert portion comprises insert shell 410, insert PCB 420, insertlatches 440 and USB socket 430 as the insert 150/250 provides a USBcharger wherein the insert PCB 420 provides a stabilized USB interfacesupporting power and data. Optionally, a USB insert may be solely forcharging an electrical device or it may support data communicationsthrough the USB to a device connected to it by a user which are thentransmitted to/from the USB insert either via a wireless interface(forming part of the USB insert) or through power line communications(PLC) via the electrical supply to/from the insert.

Next in second image 400B the PCB 450 is depicted absent any componentsfor simplicity except electrical connector 480 visible through openingwithin the back wall of the insert shell 410 whilst the insert 150/250now depicts only insert shell 410, the insert latch portion 440 and itskeyed openings 460. Finally, third image 400C depicts only the PCB 450with electrical connector 480 and keyed posts 470.

Accordingly, referring to FIG. 4B there are depicted an exemplary post470—opening 460 configuration for achieving the insert restrictionsaccording to FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the invention whereina first class 300A which fit the electrical receptacle 100 only, asecond class 300A which fit either the electrical receptacle 100 orswitch receptacle 200, and a third class 300C which fit the switchreceptacle 200 only. As depicted first to third rear views 4000 to 4200depict the rear wall of the insert shell for the first, second, andthird classes respectively.

First rear view 4000 depicts the openings 460B and 460C which arepresented from the four potential opening positions 460A to 460Drespectively. Now referring to first PCB configuration 4400 there aredepicted the occupied posts 470B and 470C of the four potential postpositions 470A to 470D respectively. Accordingly, when the openings 460Band 460C correspond to the posts 470B and 470C such that when the insertwith first rear view is inserted into a receptacle with firstconfiguration 4400 with posts 470B and 470C the combination allows theinsert to be inserted fully engaging the electrical connector 480 on thePCB 450 to the electrical connections within the insert (not shown forclarity) and a latching mechanism within the receptacle, see for examplereceptacle latch portion 610 in FIG. 6, to engage with that of theinsert, insert latch portion 440. However, if the insert is insteadinserted into a receptacle with second configuration 4500 the postsconfigured as depicted in positions 470A and 470B the insert cannot beinserted fully preventing the electrical connection being made and theengagement of the latching mechanism.

However, an insert with third rear view 4200 with openings 460A and 460Bwould align and be fully insertable with second configuration 4500. Itwould be evident that the third rear view 4200 does not align with theposts of first configuration 4400 thereby preventing an insert withthird rear view 4200 being inserted into a receptacle with posts infirst configuration 4400. However, second rear view 4100 has openings460A to 460D and will accordingly accept posts in either of the firstand second configurations 4400 and 4500 respectively.

It would be evident to one of skill that in each instance the insertionof the insert into a receptacle in an inverted position will not matchany post configuration and accordingly an insert cannot be insertedupside down. Hence, in this manner a configuration of openings and postsas depicted in FIG. 4B provides the three classes of inserts. It wouldbe evident that other configurations of “posts” and “openings” may beemployed to achieve the same result. It would also be evident that theconfiguration may be adjusted according to whether two, three, four ormore classes of insert are intended for use in different subsets of two,three, four or more receptacles.

Now referring to FIG. 5 there is depicted an edge connection between theinsert and receptacle circuit board according to an embodiment of theinvention for low complexity and low cost. Accordingly, there isdepicted an insert PCB 500A together with receptacle PCB 500B asdiscrete elements and as assembled when the insert is inserted into areceptacle cavity keyed to access that insert. As depicted with insertPCB 500A the edge of the PCB where it will about the electricalconnector contacts 520 is castellated and the inner edge of each recessis metallized to form an electrical contact with its respectiveelectrical connector contact 520 when the insert is fully inserted asdepicted in assembly 500C. In this manner, the mechanicalpositioning/retention of the insert relative to the receptacle cavity ismanaged by the latching/alignment mechanism, for example comprisinginsert latch portion 440 which engages receptacle latch portion 610 asdepicted in FIG. 6, together with the posts/openings that define anallowable insertion. The electrical connection is a mechanical contactwithout additional complexity. It would be evident that within otherembodiments of the invention the insert PCB 500A may be configured withan electrical connector or electrical connectors in socket and/or plugwhilst the receptacle PCB is configured with the matching plug and/orsocket electrical connector or connectors. For example, these mayinclude, but are not limited to single in-line (SIL) headers, dualin-line headers (DIL), card edge connectors, backplane connectors,micro-USB, and mini-USB.

Referring to FIG. 6 there is depicted an internal ground barconfiguration according to an embodiment of the invention providinggrounding of the insert prior to electrical connectivity with thereceptacle circuit board with low complexity and low cost. A receptacle600A is depicted with ground strap 140 which provides the mountingpoints for the receptacle 600A to its electrical utility work box (notshown for clarity) and the faceplate (not shown for clarity) to thereceptacle 600A such that ground connections can be made to protect theuser. Accordingly, the ground strap 140 may be grounded to theelectrical utility work box directly when it is metal or conductiveplastic or via a grounding connection made to both the receptacle 600Aand the work box. Also depicted in receptacle latch portion 610 on theinner face of the opening within the receptacle 600A.

However, it is not evident whether the insert is grounded prior to fullinsertion and the electrical connections being made between the insert300 and the receptacle 600A. Accordingly first to third assembly images600B to 600D respectively depict the ground strap 140 absent all otherelements of the receptacle 600A wherein it is evident that the groundstrap is formed such that it is around the cavity over at least part ofthe cavity width such that as the insert is inserted it makes electricalcontact to the ground plane. Accordingly, either through a conductiveplastic shell for the insert or metal contacts on the upper and/or lowersurfaces of the insert a ground contact is made as the insert ispartially inserted and maintained through to the electrical connectionsuch that in the event of a fault the insert is always grounded eventhough the accessible contacts within the cavity may be limited to anacceptable DC or AC voltage, e.g. 12V such that a user contacting themdoes not suffer harm. Optionally, the electrical construction may bereversed to that shown in FIG. 5 such that the “plug” portion of theelectrical connector(s) on the insert—receptacle PCB connection are onthe insert and the “socket” portion is on the receptacle PCB so that anerrant finger cannot touch the electrical contacts. Also depicted infirst to third assembly images 600B to 600D respectively are the insertlatch portions 440 on the insert 300 which engage with the receptaclelatch portions 610.

FIG. 7 there is depicted a sequential break down of a receptacleaccording to an embodiment of the invention such that:

-   -   First image 700A depicts the full receptacle with front casing        710 and rear casing 720;    -   Second image 700B with the front casing 710 removed showing the        internal frame 730;    -   Third image 700C with the rear casing 720 removed showing the        receptacle PCB 740;    -   Fourth image 700D wherein the receptacle PCB 740 has been        removed showing more of the internal frame 730;    -   Fifth image 700E with the internal frame 730 removed showing the        insert 300 within the grounding strap 140; and    -   Sixth image 700F with the insert 300 removed showing the ground        strap 140 and first to third electrical straps 750 to 770        respectively which provide the connections to the live and        neutral pins of the electrical sockets.

FIG. 8A there is depicted a configurable electrical receptacle accordingto an embodiment of the invention wherein the installed electricalfunctionality is set in two stages:

-   -   Stage 1: configuration of mains supply electrical elements; and    -   Stage 2: configuration of insert.

Accordingly, as depicted in second image 800B a series of elements aredepicted which when assembled provide the receptacle depicted in firstimage 800A. There is therefore a receptacle body 810, an upperelectrical element 820, a lower electrical element 840 and a cover 830together with insert 300. At installation the first and secondelectrical elements 820 and 840 are inserted into first and thirdcavities 810A and 810C respectively whilst the insert 300 would beinserted into second cavity 810B wherein the insert latch portions 440on either side of the insert 300 engage the receptacle latch portions610 on the inner lateral faces of the second cavity 820B. Once the firstand second electrical elements 820 and 840 are inserted into first andthird cavities 810A and 810C respectively the cover 830 is attached andretained, for example, via one or more bolts through the rear of thereceptacle body to the rear of the cover 830.

Accordingly, as depicted in second image 800B a series of elements aredepicted which when assembled provide the receptacle depicted in firstimage 800A. There is therefore a receptacle body 810, an upperelectrical element 820, a lower electrical element 840 and a cover 830together with insert 300. At installation the first and secondelectrical elements 820 and 840 are inserted into first and thirdcavities 810A and 810C respectively whilst the insert 300 would beinserted into second cavity 810B. Once the first and second electricalelements 820 and 840 are inserted into first and third cavities 810A and810C respectively the cover 830 is attached and retained, for example,via one or more bolts through the rear of the receptacle body to therear of the cover 830.

Now referring to FIG. 8B there is depicted a configurable receptacleaccording to the configuration depicted in FIG. 8A wherein the installedfunctionality set at installation can be varied by changing theelectrical element. As depicted alternate electrical elements 820A to820D are depicted comprising electrical socket, dual USB interface, UKshaver plug socket, and 2.1 mm DC socket. As depicted the second elementcavity is configured as a 180° rotation of the first element cavity suchthat, for example, first electrical element 820A can be used in bothcavities. Optionally, within other embodiments of the invention such aconfiguration may be limited such that different upper and lowerelements are required. Further, the concept discussed supra in respectof configuring inserts to fit only certain receptacles can be appliedsuch that only certain electrical elements can be inserted into one orother cavity or both cavities etc.

The multiple cavities within a receptacle body 810 and cover 830 arefurther depicted in FIG. 9 according to the embodiment of the inventiondepicted in FIG. 8A. Accordingly, the receptacle 810 has first to thirdcavities 910 to 930 respectively within each being backplane connectors910A to 930A respectively and keying posts 910B to 930B respectively. Asdepicted the cover 830 has three openings 970 to 990 that align with thefirst to third cavities 910 to 930 respectively. The design of the coveris such that when attached electrical elements cannot be inserted intothe first and third cavities 910 and 930 through the cover openings 970and 990 but an insert 300 (not depicted for clarity) can be insertedthrough opening 980 into second cavity 910B. Within embodiments of theinvention the sequence of which cavities permit use of inserts versusmay change. Also depicted within the first to third cavities 910 to 930are first to third receptacle latching portions 940 to 960 respectively.

Optionally, within an embodiment of the invention using an example ofthree cavities all three cavities may be identical but the sequence ofwhich accept elements prior to installation and which accept insertsafter installation is defined by the cover applied. Accordingly, thecover may restrict the cavity by projecting within the cavity such thatthe dimensions of an insert are smaller than that of an electricalelement. In this manner the insert may be in the first, second, or thirdcavity based upon the cover applied.

Accordingly, it would be evident to one of skill in the art that thisconcept may be extended as depicted in FIG. 10 for a configurable switchreceptacle according to an embodiment of the invention wherein theinstalled switch functionality can be set at installation leaving thepost-installation receptacle configuration via the insert(s).Accordingly, as depicted in second image 1000B a series of elements aredepicted which when assembled provide the receptacle depicted in firstimage 1000A. There is therefore a receptacle body 1010, an electricalelement 1020 and a cover 1030 together with insert 300. Also depictedare receptacle latch portions 610 within the openings within thereceptacle body 1010 which mate with the insert latch portions 440 onthe insert 300 to retain the insert 300 in position. In this manner asdepicted in FIG. 11 the receptacle 1010 may be configured with first tofourth switch elements 1020A to 1020D which depict push toggle switch1020A, rotary dimmer 1020B, rocker switch 1020C, and electrical socket1020D.

Further, as depicted in FIG. 12 configurable receptacles according toembodiments of the invention may employ two or three (or potentiallymore) inserts.

It would be evident that the concepts described and depicted withinFIGS. 2 to 12 may be exploited in 2-gang, 3-gang, 4-gang etc.configurations as well as the 1-gang design depicted. Accordingly, thiswould reduce the number of electrical wiring connections to be made byproviding a single receptacle which then supports a grid of configurableelements and/inserts.

Within embodiments of the invention depicted in respect of FIGS. 2 to 12the presumption has been that the removable inserts are removed manuallywithout special tooling. However, within other embodiments of theinvention a tool may be required to insert and/or remove the insert.Similarly, a tool may also be required to insert and/or removeelectrical elements such as sockets, switches, dimmers, etc.

Optionally, within embodiments of the invention the electrical elementsmay be inserted and retained without an overlaying cover but are“latched” into position and then covered with the faceplate wherein thisthen covers the required access to remove the electrical elements with atool, for example. As described and depicted within FIGS. 4A, 6, 8A, 9and 10 this latching may be provided via insert latch portions on theinsert which engage receptacle latch portions within the recess withinthe receptacle body. In this manner, removal of the faceplate and use ofthe appropriate extraction tool allows the electrical elements to bereconfigured and then re-covered with the faceplate. Optionally, theelectrical elements may be retained through screw/bolt fixtures throughthe rear of the receptacle or the front wherein these are thenobscured/hidden via a cover and faceplate or just a faceplate. In eachinstance the removable inserts are inserted/removed from the receptaclewhen the cover and faceplate or just faceplate are in position.

Amongst the inserts the inventors have considered a USB plug andassociated cable wherein the cable is wound in combination with a springmechanism or other mechanism that allows for the cable to rewindautomatically. Optionally, the cable may be pulled to the requiredlength and ratcheted to lock and then if pulled to full extension theratcheting disengaged and the cable rewinds. Alternatively, a button orother mechanism on the front of the insert removes the locking ratchetand allows rewinding.

Within another insert an emergency light is powered upon power failurebased upon a capacitor within the insert rather than a battery. Thecapacitor being maintained at charge and connected based upon a switchdefaulting to connect the light, e.g. LED, upon power failure.

Within the embodiments of the invention the presumption has been thatthe receptacles are powered from a mains supply, such as 120V 60 Hz inNorth America. Within other embodiments of the invention the powersupply may be a low voltage supply such as 12V, 24V, or 48V DC.

Specific details are given in the above description to provide athorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it is understoodthat the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.For example, circuits may be shown in block diagrams in order not toobscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances,well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniquesmay be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring theembodiments.

The foregoing disclosure of the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention has been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations andmodifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. Thescope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims appendedhereto, and by their equivalents.

Further, in describing representative embodiments of the presentinvention, the specification may have presented the method and/orprocess of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps.However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on theparticular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process shouldnot be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one ofordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps maybe possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth inthe specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims.In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of thepresent invention should not be limited to the performance of theirsteps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readilyappreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within thespirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: providing a receptacleconfigured for installation within an electrical utility work boxcomprising a cavity disposed with a front face of the receptacle wherethe cavity comprises: a first portion of a latching mechanism; a firstportion of a keying mechanism; and a plurality of first electricalcontacts disposed upon a rear surface of the cavity; providing ademountable insert configured to fit within the cavity of the receptaclewhere the demountable insert comprises: a second portion of the latchingmechanism; a second portion of the keying mechanism; and a plurality ofsecond electrical contacts disposed upon a back surface of thedemountable insert; inserting the demountable insert into the cavitysuch that the back surface of the demountable insert is disposed towardsthe rear surface; wherein the keying mechanism prevents insertion of atleast one of an incompatible demountable insert and a compatibledemountable insert inserted into the cavity in an inverted manner;latching of the latching mechanism only occurs when the keying mechanismis successfully engaged; and electrical connections between theplurality of second electrical contacts and a subset of the plurality offirst electrical contacts are only made when the latching mechanism issuccessfully engaged.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein thedemountable insert is retained in the cavity by the latching mechanism;and the latching mechanism and keying mechanism are independent of eachother.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first portion ofthe latching mechanism is disposed upon one or more sidewalls of thecavity; the second portion of the latching mechanism is disposed uponone or more surfaces of the demountable insert disposed between the rearsurface of demountable insert and a distal front surface of thedemountable insert; the first portion of the latching mechanism and thesecond portion of the latching mechanism are disposed towards the frontface of the receptacle and the front face of the demountable insertrespectively such that the latching mechanism can be disengaged from thefront of the receptacle once the demountable insert has been inserted.4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising inserting thereceptacle within the electrical utility work box; attaching a faceplateto at least one of the electrical utility work box and receptable suchthat only the front face of the receptacle is accessible to the user;and at least one of removing the demountable insert from the cavity andinserting the demountable insert into the cavity without removal of atleast one of the faceplate from the receptacle and the receptacle fromthe electrical utility work box.
 5. The method according to claim 1,wherein the latching mechanism automatically latches once the firstportion of the keying mechanism and the second portion of the keyingmechanism have allowed insertion of the demountable insert into thecavity to a predetermined depth.
 6. The method according to claim 1,wherein the demountable insert is an insert of a plurality of inserts;the first portion of the keying mechanism has either a firstconfiguration or a second configuration; a first portion of theplurality of inserts have a configuration of the second portion of thekeying mechanism that can only engage with the first configuration ofthe first portion of the keying mechanism to enable the latching of thelatching mechanism; and a second portion of the plurality of insertshave another configuration of the second portion of the keying mechanismthat can only engage with the second configuration of the first portionof the keying mechanism to enable the latching of the latchingmechanism.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the demountableinsert is an insert of a plurality of inserts; the first portion of thekeying mechanism has either a first configuration or a secondconfiguration; a first portion of the plurality of inserts have aconfiguration of the second portion of the keying mechanism that canonly engage with the first configuration of the first portion of thekeying mechanism to enable the latching of the latching mechanism; asecond portion of the plurality of inserts have another configuration ofthe second portion of the keying mechanism that can only engage with thesecond configuration of the first portion of the keying mechanism toenable the latching of the latching mechanism; and a third portion ofthe plurality of inserts have a further configuration of the secondportion of the keying mechanism that can engage with either the firstconfiguration of the first portion of the keying mechanism or the secondconfiguration of the first portion of the keying mechanism to enable thelatching of the latching mechanism.
 8. The method according to claim 1,wherein the demountable insert is an insert of a plurality of inserts;the receptacle is either an electrical receptacle having at least oneof: a plug and a socket accessible on a same face of the electricalreceptacle as that within which the cavity is disposed; and a lightingreceptacle having a lighting control interface on the same face of theelectrical receptacle as that within which the cavity is disposed; thefirst portion of the keying mechanism has a first configuration when thereceptacle is an electrical receptacle and a second configuration whenthe receptacle is a lighting receptacle; a first portion of theplurality of inserts have a configuration of the second portion of thekeying mechanism that can only engage with the first configuration ofthe first portion of the keying mechanism to enable the latching of thelatching mechanism; a second portion of the plurality of inserts haveanother configuration of the second portion of the keying mechanism thatcan only engage with the second configuration of the first portion ofthe keying mechanism to enable the latching of the latching mechanism;and a third portion of the plurality of inserts have a furtherconfiguration of the second portion of the keying mechanism that canengage with either the first configuration of the first portion of thekeying mechanism or the second configuration of the first portion of thekeying mechanism to enable the latching of the latching mechanism. 9.The method according to claim 1, wherein the demountable insert providesa function independent of a function of the receptacle.
 10. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the receptable provides a first function;the demountable insert provides a second function; the second functionis independent of both the first function and a state of the firstfunction.
 11. The method according to claim 1, further comprisingproviding another cavity disposed within the front face of thereceptacle where the another cavity comprises: a plurality of thirdelectrical contacts disposed upon a rear surface of the cavity;providing another demountable insert configured to fit within theanother cavity of the receptacle where the demountable insert comprises:a plurality of fourth electrical contacts disposed upon a back surfaceof the demountable insert; providing a cover for attachment to thereceptacle which comprises: an opening positioned to align with thecavity once the cover has been attached to the receptable anddimensioned to allow insertion of the demountable insert into the cavitythrough the opening; another opening positioned to align with theanother cavity once the cover has been attached to the receptable anddimensioned to prevent removal or insertion of the another demountableinsert once the cover has been attached to the receptable; an attachmentmeans for use in attaching to the receptable; inserting the anotherdemountable insert into the another cavity such that other electricalconnections are made between the plurality of the plurality of fourthelectrical contacts and a subset of the plurality of third electricalcontacts; and attaching the cover to the receptacle.
 12. The methodaccording to claim 11, wherein at least one of: the demountable insertis inserted with the cover attached; and the demountable insert isremoved with the cover attached and another demountable insert isinserted with the cover.
 13. The method according to claim 11, whereinthe insert provides a first function; the another insert provides asecond function; and the first function is independent of both thesecond function and a state of the second function.
 14. The methodaccording to claim 11, wherein the another cavity is one of a pluralityof another cavities disposed within the front face of the receptacle;and the another demountable insert is one of a plurality of anotherdemountable insertable into another cavity of the plurality of anothercavities.
 15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the anothercavity is one of a pair of another cavities disposed within the frontface of the receptacle; and the another demountable insert is one of apair of another demountable insertable into another cavity of theplurality of another cavities; and the cavity within the front face ofthe receptacle is disposed between pair of another cavities.